Sprained Ankle: Using a Compression Wrap

Introduction

Ankle sprains
are common injuries that can result in lifelong problems. Some people with
repeated or severe sprains can develop long-term joint pain and weakness.
Treating a sprained ankle can help prevent ongoing ankle problems.

If an ankle sprain does not heal
correctly, the joint may become unstable, resulting in a weakened and easily
reinjured ankle. Proper initial care of your sprained ankle is critical.

A compression wrap helps decrease swelling.
If swelling is kept to a minimum, it may help your ankle feel better.

Applying a compression wrap is easy and can be done at
home.

Elastic bandages are inexpensive and available at most
drugstores.

You can wear a protective brace, such as a splint or a
device to keep your ankle from moving (immobilizer), over a compression wrap.
This can help prevent further injury to your ankle when you try to bear weight
on it.

How to apply a compression wrap

Cut several horseshoe-shaped pieces of cloth
felt to form a 0.5 in. (1.3 cm)
thick pad. The pad will be placed (open end up) under the anklebone
to help keep fluid out of the hollow place under your anklebone.

Roll up the elastic bandage if it isn't already.
Hold your ankle at about a 90-degree angle. Start where your toes meet the body
of your foot. Hold the loose end of the bandage at the side of your foot. Wrap
the bandage around the ball of your foot once, keeping it somewhat taut with a
light pull.

After this first wrap, slowly start circling your way
around the arch of the foot. Pull the bandage diagonally from the bottom of the
toes across the foot's top and circle it around the ankle. Now bring the
bandage diagonally across the top of the foot and under the arch in a
figure-eight pattern.

When you get to the anklebone, wrap the
bandage around the felt piece so it stays in place under the anklebone.
Continue around the ankle and foot in a figure eight, moving toward the heel on
the bottom and toward the calf at the top of the eight. The wrap should cover
the entire foot and end several inches above the ankle.
Most compression wraps are self-fastening or come with clip fasteners. If not,
use tape to secure the end.

The wrap should be snug but should not
cut off circulation to the foot. Check your toes. If they become purplish or
blue, cool to the touch, or numb or tingly, the wrap is too tight and should be
loosened. Also, loosen the wrap at night before bedtime.

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